Poll shows strong support for existing rooftop-solar program
CARSON CITY — A new poll of Nevada residents ahead of next week’s state regulatory hearings on net metering shows strong support for the existing rooftop solar tariff and opposition to NV Energy’s proposal.
The poll conducted by Erik Iverson of Portland, Ore.-based Moore Information for the rooftop solar company SolarCity, shows that two-thirds of Nevadans support the current net metering system for rooftop solar energy customers. Another 18 percent were opposed and 15 percent had no opinion.
Net metering allows rooftop solar customers to receive a credit from NV Energy, doing business in Southern Nevada as Nevada Power, for the excess energy they produce.
There is also consensus support for the current net metering system among residents all demographic subgroups, according to the poll, conducted Oct. 28-29 with a total of 400 landline and cell phone interviewers conducted by live interviewers. The potential sampling error is plus or minus 5 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.
Even when those residents were asked questions with favorable comments about NV Energy’s proposal, a majority of those were unswayed. Asked if they would be more likely to favor the proposal because it would level the playing field and make sure rooftop solar customers are paying their fair share, 31 percent said more likely, 58 percent said less likely with 11 percent saying they did not know. A second favorable question produced a similar result.
“Nevadans strongly support the current net metering system,” Iverson said. “This support is significant and widespread throughout the state.”
The poll also found that there is strong opposition among Nevada residents to NV Energy’s proposal before the Nevada Public Utilities Commission that would impose new charges, including a demand charge, significantly reducing the credit for the excess energy produced for the average rooftop solar customer.
Fully 69 percent of Nevadans oppose the NV Energy proposal, including 56 percent who are strongly opposed. Just 17 percent favor the proposal and 14 percent have no opinion. After hearing a series of statements about the plan, opposition increases to 80 percent with 65 percent strongly opposed.
Rooftop solar industry officials and supporters say the new tariff proposed by NV Energy would eliminate the industry in Nevada.
NV Energy argues that the new tariff, which would lower the credit per kilowatt hour received by solar customers, is needed to ensure that nonsolar customers do not subsidize those who purchase or lease the systems.
In NV Energy’s latest filing on the issue, Shawn Elicegui, an executive with the utility, said the company’s new proposal would result in a typical rooftop solar bill of $1,522 a year instead of $1,081 under the current tariff.
The PUC has until Dec. 31 to decide.
“There’s not a lot of gray area here,” Iverson said. “Nevadans don’t like the NV Energy plan. But what’s striking is how intensely Nevadans oppose it. Not only do nearly seven out of 10 residents oppose the plan – but 56 percent strongly oppose it.”
One reason for the strong support for the current net metering plan may be linked to the view shared by many Nevadans and Westerners that individuals should have the right to install their own solar systems if they choose to do so, he said.
Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801